Effects of Laughter on Patients and Caregiver Laughter can be a powerful therapy for most patients and the caregivers. There are many benefits from the effects of humor and laughter on the body, mind, and spirit; the patient during recovery from illness; and the health professional during delivery of care. Most experienced caregivers have discovered that attention to only the physical body during treatment will render a partial or temporary recovery. The patient's emotional responses, belief system, and support network may effect compliance of treatment and ability to cope with fear, pain, and l